A Presidential Preference Primary is considered a "straw vote" by the political party and gives the state's first legitimate opinion about a candidate. Voters must chose one political party and cast their vote for a presidential candidate.

A Primary Election is held by each political party to determine the state's favorite candidate for each party before the National Convention. Voters must choose one political party and vote "straight ticket" choosing candidates from that particular party for each office.

A General Election is held in November with one candidate from each political party. Voters may vote for candidates in both parties in a multiple office election.